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Thursday, 28 November 2013

Hi guys,
Do you ever sometimes read a PR story and think it's such an incredible idea you wish you'd thought of it yourself? That's exactly how I felt when I read about the bra that tweets! No: you didn't read that wrong! In order to build awareness about breast cancer awareness and remind us of the importance of checking our breasts every month, a bra has been invented that will send a tweet every time Greek celebrity Maria Bacodimou unclasps it. This video will explain the concept much better than I can:

Breast Cancer awareness is a cause that's close to my heart, and I think anything that raises awareness and reminds women to check themselves regularly can only be a good thing. I know how it feels to be busy and not have time for something that seems so unimportant like checking your boobs: heck, I know how it feels to be covered in baby snot and feel like having the chance just to shower is a treat! But I also know first-hand how breast cancer can devastate young families. And actually, it really is important to make the time for a self-exam: it only takes a few minutes, and it could save your life!

Want to follow the tweeting bra and get regular updates to remind yourself to check your breasts on a monthly basis? Then you'll find the twitter account here.

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Hi guys,
I read about the Ann Summers 'underneath the LBD' competition over on Jen's blog and had the same initial thought that she did: Ann Summers? Do they do nice lingerie? Well, it turns out the answer is yes! And even more excitedly, from my point of view, they also stock a pretty good selection in G and H cups which is a rare treat for me! Its nice to find fuller cupped bras at affordable prices. So what would I put under my LBD from Ann Summers? Well here are my picks:

Klaudia bra, Ann Summers, £32Klaudia suspender belt, Ann Summers, £20Temperley dress, Net-a-Porter, £795Turkish delight earrings, ASOS, £18Metallic bobble framed clutch, Oasis, £25Patricia Blanchet heels, Sarenza, £127
I went for a dress with a plunging neckline to show off the 'assets' and a push up bra to help maximize the effect of that. And because sexy underwear can help put a spring in your step I paired the bra with it's matching suspender belt. I'm slightly in love with this (out of my budget) Temperley dress, and I accessorised everything in my usual evening style: lots of vintage-inspired gold and a pair of fabulous heels: Oh and I made sure the earrings matched the lingerie, so they'd look just as good without the little black dress on too (ahem!).

What do you think of my festive LBD look? Want to take part in the competition yourself? Here's the link!

Thursday, 21 November 2013

Hi guys,
Despite the fact that we moved into our house back in April, it was only last weekend that we unpacked the final box! Unpacking those last boxes means that the 'box room' (also known as my office) is finally cleared and I am able to put the room together and start working in it: at the minute I'm working from a corner of our bedroom! Working for yourself requires piles of discipline (particularly when you're also trying to juggle looking after a demanding baby too) and I am so excited to get my office set up and finally be able to have my own dedicated work zone: and somewhere to put my mountain of filing too!
I have an office chair, shelving unit and even a lovely sofa in my office. But what I don't have is a desk. So right now that's my current obsession. I want something slightly unusual that will fit in with the quirky design of the room, but still usable and with plenty of room for all this paperwork. I really like this Z shaped desk from Furniture Plus Online, because of its unusual shape and its build in filing cabinet. The ultimate style I want from the room is relaxed and vintage inspired and something that feels really me. If I could end up with something that looked like either of these rooms I would be a really happy bunny:
Do you have a home office? How have you decorated it? I'd love it if you could share links to your office inspiration: it's my current obsession! And of course, I'll be sharing the pictures with you as soon as I've finally finished mine!

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Hi guys,
Although knee high boots have their place (more about that later in the week) I've always been in the ankle boot obsessive camp. I love my ankle boots, and they look just as great with skirts and dresses as they do with skinny jeans. I also love quality boots: you wear your boots day in and day out all winter long, so I think it's important to pick a pair that are good quality, made of soft and supple leather, and ultimately, so comfortable you can wear them all day. Enter Jones the Bootmaker, and some frankly delicious ankle boots! Jones have a deserved reputation for making quality and well made boots that will last you forever. The selection of ladies boots on offer left my mouth watering. Here are some of my picks:
1.Jones the Bootmaker Olso Boots £89 (Was £110)2. Betsey Johnson Sadie Boots £49 (Was £100)3. Jones the Bootmaker Overton Boots £79 (was £99)

The best thing about buying new boots at this time of year is that (as shown from my selection) some of the best pairs have just been reduced and can be found in the sales. So if you've been making do with last years boots and are feeling a little bit fed up with them, now's the perfect time to go and get a new pair instead!

I'm giving serious consideration to buying those studded riding style boots (despite the fact that I really don't need any more winter shoes)! Which ones have you got your eye on?

Hi guys,
Another cold day in Norwich, another opportunity to wear my new favourite coat: I've worn this bubblegum pink one everyday since I got it! I mentioned that I would show you the fruits of my labour from my Westfield Londonshopping spree, and this is the main thing I bought: a pink Topshop coat for £98.
I've teamed it with my new favourite jumper, which is (believe it or not) from George at Asda. Badgers, Owls, and Bumblebees: could there be a more perfect jumper for an animal lover like me? It's new in store at the minute, and cost just £16. The jeans and boots are also from Topshop (both sales purchases from last January) and the handbag is vintage.

I've never really been a girly girly girl, and I've certainly never been the kind of girl that wants to own everything in pink. But this season's pink trend has really grown on me, and I really do love this coat.

Have you got a new winter coat this year? And what colour did you choose?

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Hi guys,
When I saw these Shelly's shoes my immediate thought was of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. I'm a complete sucker for anything with a little bit of sparkle, especially with the festive season approaching, so these are definitely on my wish list!
I'm a bit of a dedicated jeans addict nowadays (it just fits in with my lifestyle so much more) and these would look incredible with skinny jeans and a simple blouse for over the festive period, when you want to look a tad fancy but without getting too dressed up. On Christmas day I don't get out of my pajamas (it's a family tradition) but I think these gorgeous courts could even glam up my house suit!

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Hi guys,
Exciting news - the Sarenza mid-season sale has started! I need very little excuse to get excited about shoe shopping, but a sale at this time of year gets me doubly excited. I am definitely a winter girl, and I much prefer shopping for boots to sandals.

Christmas is also a great reason to get excited about shoes, as far as I'm concerned. Not only do you get to shop frivolously for heels (with the excuse of Christmas parties) but I also think shoes make fabulous Christmas presents: I've got shoes for both of my sisters this year, and I think they're going to be delighted with my choices! I've also got a pair of shoes (and a handbag or two) on my own Christmas wishlist.
The Sarenza mid season sale has discounts of up to 50% and is running until 24th November, giving you plenty of time for virtual browsing and wish list creation! Here's the link.

Are there any sale shoes you've got your eye on? And will you be putting any shoes on your Christmas wishlist? Hubby asked me to compile my Christmas wishlist this morning, so I spent a very pleasant hour looking at all sorts of lovely and almost completely pointless trinkets! If you'd told me 18 months ago that cheese knifes with rabbit shaped handles would be one of my hearts desires I would've laughed at you. Completely pointless! But isn't that what Christmas is for?!

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Hi guys,
Christmas really is fast approaching, and if you like to get out and about to join in the festivities (or even buy theatre tickets for your Christmas gifts) then now is the time to start thinking about it and start shopping! We've already booked our Christmas trip to the theatre and a visit for Wilbur to go and have breakfast with Santa. The English National Ballet are performing the Nutcracker again (we just can't decide if the little man will be quite old enough) And now I'm thinking about what tickets I want to add to my Christmas list.
I love the opera, and the English National Opera in particular. It's such a beautiful building in the heart of London, and you feel this incredible atmosphere when you enter the place, before the performance has even began. The first time I ever went to the opera was to see a modern interpretation of Les Liasons Dangereueses (which also happens to be one of my favourite books) and I sobbed pretty much for the full hour after the interval. I've been hooked ever since! The ENO are putting on a performance of Rigoletto (The run is starting in February) that i've already started hearing good things about, so tickets to that will definitely be making their way on my Christmas list. And their production of Mada Butterfly returns for another run (that starts on Friday) so if you're looking for something to do this weekend I can heartily personally recommend it: I just wish I was still living in London so I could pop out and see it myself!

Do you go on any special trips (to the theatre, the opera, or anywhere else) for Christmas? And are there any show tickets on your Christmas list? I'd love to hear all about it!

Friday, 1 November 2013

Hi guys,
Radley isn't usually a brand you'd find me writing about. Whilst I have nothing against that cute little scotty dog, it's not a brand a particularly like either. I find their designs to be fairly traditional and, well, a little bit dull. But that's all about to change for me! Because Holly Fulton (a designer I really love, and often write about) has created a collaborative collection with Radley. And I love it!
Suddenly that scotty dog is looking appealing to me! But it's the graphic patterns on the tan leather that I really love. I'm not usually one for glitz when it comes to my handbags. I like simple, good quality leather, so these would be the perfect clutch bags for the party season in my mind.